This September, the breathtaking landscape of Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve will become the backdrop for a new South African festival experience as Rooted Fest 2026 makes its debut on Saturday, 26 September 2026.

 

Presented in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Environment and in association with Kaya FM and TRACE Ngoma, Rooted Fest is a celebration of South African music, food, culture, creativity and conscious living.

 

Guided by the theme “Leave No Trace”, Rooted Fest has been created around a simple idea: that South Africans can celebrate who we are while remaining conscious of the environment that sustains us. More than a music festival, Rooted is an immersive day in nature designed to demonstrate how entertainment, culture and environmental responsibility can coexist.

 MAKHADZI LEADS THE ROOTED FEST EXPERIENCE

Award-winning African superstar Makhadzi is the first artist confirmed to perform at the inaugural Rooted Fest, bringing her unmistakable energy to Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve.

 

The full Rooted Fest 2026 line-up will be revealed on Friday, 4 September 2026, showcasing a diverse celebration of South African music and culture.  Beyond the Main Stage, Rooted Fest will offer a series of curated experiences across the reserve.

 

Guests can look forward to a food experience curated by Chef Mahlomola Thamae and Chef Anton Vermeulen, an interactive bar experience curated by Matte and Soda, alongside dedicated spaces celebrating green living, family, creativity and South African culture.

 

LEAVE NO TRACE

Sustainability sits at the heart of Rooted Fest.

Together with the Gauteng Department of Environment, the festival will implement environmental considerations across its planning, infrastructure, waste management, vendor operations and guest experience.

 

Mr. Andrew Mathabathe, Corporate Communications spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Environment, says:

“Rooted Fest presents an exciting opportunity to connect people with Gauteng’s natural environment in a way that is engaging, relevant and responsible. Through the ‘Leave No Trace’ theme, we want to demonstrate that major cultural experiences can take place in our natural spaces while still prioritising their protection. We hope the festival inspires visitors not only to enjoy Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, but to recognise the role we all play in preserving Gauteng’s natural heritage for future generations.”

 

Rooted Fest will also introduce new audiences to Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, showcasing the province’s natural assets as part of Gauteng’s broader culture, lifestyle and tourism offering.

 

ROOTED IN HOME

Rooted Fest is inspired by the places, sounds, tastes, memories and experiences that make South Africa home. Ayandamantombazanekayise Mhlongo, Rooted Fest spokesperson, says:

“Rooted is about home, celebrating where we come from while being intentional about what we leave behind. We wanted to create an experience where incredible South African music, food, culture and creativity could exist alongside nature and environmental consciousness.”

  

“Leave No Trace is more than our theme. It is the commitment behind how we want to build Rooted. We want people to come, celebrate, dance, eat, discover and experience Suikerbosrand, and leave it as beautiful as they found it.”  With music, food, nature and culture meeting against the landscape of

Suikerbosrand, Rooted Fest invites South Africans to experience a different way of celebrating.

Home is where we come from. Home is where we return. Leave no trace.

 

 

ROOTED FEST 2026

Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026

Venue: Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Gauteng

Time: 10:00 – 18:00

First Artist Announced: Makhadzi

Full Line-up Reveal: Friday, 4 September 2026

Theme: Leave No Trace

Presented in partnership with: Gauteng Department of Environment

In association with: Kaya FM and TRACE Ngoma

Ticketing information and further festival details will be announced across Rooted Fest’s official platforms.